Alternative Cancer Treatment, Genetic Risks of Breast Cancer
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According to official figures, only between 5-10% of breast cancer is caused by genetic influences. But even though the percentage is relatively low, the numbers are high enough to warrant many women and men seeking regular checkups. Yes, men get breast cancer, too. Only about 0.7% as often as women, but it does occur, killing about 12,000 men per year.
So, simply being female increases the odds of breast cancer relative to men by 133:1. One leading theory indicates that the most likely cause is the substantially higher percentage of estrogen and progesterone in females. These hormones play a role in cell growth and appear to be involved when that growth occurs uncontrollably, as in breast cancer.
One genetic factor that may not seem genetic at first blush is the increased risk that comes with aging. Growing older, at what rate and in what way, is heavily influenced by genetics. Genetics determines the kind of physiology we have and that in turn plays a prominent role in aging, as researchers in the field are finding out.
Almost 17% of invasive breast cancers occur in women who are in their 40's. But a great 78% of those who contract breast cancer are in their 50's or older. This shouldn't surprise you. It is a common observation that cancers are more likely to occur the older an individual becomes. Make sure that you don't confuse this statement. It is not correct to believe that 78% of women who are 50 or older get breast cancer. Actually, that number is about 1 in 12, or 8% of women 50 or older.
One huge genetic risk factor doesn't come from normal genes, rather comes from genetic mutations. The most common gene mutations are labeled BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes usually assist in manufacturing proteins that assist in the prevention of abnormally growing cells. Mutations or change in them that alter that ability cause an increase in the odds of breast cancer development. According to some studies, having these particular gene mutations raises an individual's odds of developing breast cancer to 80%.
Those mutations are almost always inherited, not produced by environmental, diet or other controllable factors. Women who have a mother who have had breast cancer are therefore at higher risk for developing the condition themselves. Though, obviously, women don't inherit genes from a sister, having a sibling that has contracted breast cancer is an indicator of increased risk.
Additionally there is another gene mutation that could play a role in the development of breast caner. The ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutation) involves a gene that plays a part in the repair of DNA strands. Breast cancer risk is doubled when the CHEK-2 gene mutates. Mutations in a gene called the p53 increase the odds since it aids in suppressing the growth of tumors. These occurrences have an extremely low likelihood.
Until gene therapy becomes more advanced, there's nothing a woman or man can do to alter the genetic endowment they've received. But knowing the risk factors can provide information that is helpful in prompting diagnosis. Knowing you have a family history that contains an individual with Cowden Syndrome, for example, provides incentive to seek early and frequent checkups.
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